FILE - In this Feb. 15, 2020, file photo, a woman votes at an early voting location at the culinary workers union hall in Las Vegas. Nevada Democrats are hoping to avoid a repeat of the chaos that ensnared the Iowa caucuses, as voters gather across the Silver State on Saturday to make their presidential preferences known. Iowa's process cratered this month following a rushed effort by state Democrats to deploy a mobile app for caucus volunteers to report results. Democrats in Nevada were going to use the same app developer as Iowa did, but quickly sidelined those plans. They will still be relying to some extent on technology to assist in counting and reporting results, though, and like Iowa, they will have paper backups. (AP Photo/John Locher, File) (John Locher/AP)

Our panel of 100 influential leaders discusses the most important issues affecting you.

Christine Hunschofsky, mayor, Parkland

Last week: Along with other mayors from around our nation I was honored to attend the President’s signing of the Securing American Nonprofit Organizations Against Terrorism Act. This bi-partisan legislation creates $375 million dollars in grant funding for target hardening and security enhancements for eligible non-profit organizations determined to be at risk of a terrorist attack. I encourage local leaders, like I have done, to share this grant information with their faith-based community institutions. It is heartbreaking that these incidents continue to rise nationally and that we must become more vigilant and enhance protection for those who congregate in houses of worship.

Looking ahead:On February 14, 2020 we marked the second commemoration of the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School that took the lives of 17 people, physically injured another 17 and severely traumatized hundreds and hundreds of students, parents, teachers and administrators. As any community that has suffered trauma and loss, we will never forget the lives taken, the families, the people still suffering and the trauma that has impacted so many. As we move forward, we continue to honor the 17 lives through service and we continue to support and advocate for those in the community still suffering

Claudette Bruck, former commissioner, Coral Springs

Last week: When will it end, the deplorable behavior, the childish, irresponsible and disrespectful threats and treatment of men and woman of honor who have long served this country. It saddens me to know that I will probably never see the return of respect, dignity, integrity and responsibility as we once knew it in my lifetime. My fear from the very beginning was that it would filter down to local politics, and, in many areas we have seen that happen. We can change this, I know we can. We can change the tide if we declare that we have had enough and that we are going to do everything we can to preserve our nation’s dignity as our legacy.

Pastor D.H. Dawkins Sr., Praise Tabernacle International

Last week: Lysol and Clorox have Coronavirus on their label as one of the things that their labeled products kills. Certain pockets of the internet have been swarmed with posts promoting these products as solutions for the virus. However, viruses evolve, and these products were made to combat the earlier versions of the virus. This was a big deal to me as I was preparing to wear Lysol like cologne with my several upcoming travel arrangements.

Last week: On President’s Day this week, former Gov. Jeb Bush called for a return of civility on the national political stage. A noble goal, but unlikely. As one who was humiliated by candidate Donald Trump, Jeb pathetically turned the other cheek as he and other candidates were taken to the woodshed. Bush and his fellow Republicans remain complicit as this president continues to torment and bully with impunity. If Bush and his fellow Republicans are serious about returning dignity to the Oval Office, they would get some backbone and hold Trump accountable.

Thomas Wenski, archbishop, Archdiocese of Miami

Last week: Mandatory expansion of E-Verify only makes sense as part of a federal effort on immigration reform that also addresses: (1) complementary labor and employment protections to ensure that employment verification processes do not become a tool to undermine workplace rights or take advantage of workers' vulnerabilities; (2) expansion of legal avenues for low wage workers to enter the U.S. lawfully and work in humane conditions; (3) curbing employer efforts to misuse employment verification programs; and (4) improvement of the inaccuracies of the E-Verify system. Required employment verification only appropriate within comprehensive, federal reform. Florida Senate should reject SB 664.

Looking ahead:“Querida Amazonia”, Pope Francis’ follows his reflection on Climate Change, Laudato Si. In it, he addresses the ecological, social, cultural and pastoral challenges of the Amazon region which embraces six countries. The Pope offered few solutions but challenges all of us to “think outside the box” to promote an ecology of nature and of man that respects the identities and histories of the Amazonian peoples and preserves as a patrimony for future generations one of the world’s most sensitive and crucial ecosystems.

Chip LaMarca, member, Florida House of Representatives

Last week: This week, Attorney General Ashley Moody issued a consumer alert for Floridians to avoid Census related scams. The U.S. Census is conducted every 10 years to take count of everyone living in the U.S. Previously, scammers have tried to steal personal information through emails, pretending to represent the Census Bureau. Be cautious when opening emails and only open email attachments from known senders. Also, scammers have impersonated Census workers and have knocked on doors. Please be aware that the Census Bureau will not send unsolicited emails, ask for Social Security numbers, bank account or credit card information.

Looking ahead:The proposed $91.4 billion Florida House of Representatives budget passed across bipartisan lines with a unanimous vote. The plan reduces per-capita spending while holding $3.7 billion in reserves. On top of $500 million invested in raising the bottom of teacher pay, the Florida House Budget invests a separate $150 million in veteran teacher pay. The Florida House remains committed to recruiting and retaining the highest quality teachers for our students and education system. This budget also includes $650.2 million for our environment. The Florida House will continue to protect our Everglades, natural resources, pristine beaches and our waterways throughout Florida.

Frank Ortis, mayor, Pembroke Pines

Looking ahead:As a mayor, people ask me whether I am worried about the coronavirus. I am monitoring the situation, as we all should. We need to be aware, but not panicking. Our Florida Senate Health Policy Committee was just told that the flu is a far deadlier illness to worry about in Florida than the coronavirus. It is scary to hear reports about coronavirus spreading throughout the world, and health officials are dealing with misinformation and lack of information. However, right now, Florida does not have any confirmed cases of coronavirus. The best advice is to not worry, but be vigilant.

Michael Gottlieb, member, Florida House of Representatives

Last week: This week, we are hearing two major bills, one about deregulating many industries to allow for expansion into the marketplace. The fear of course is that we will all be less safe as schooling and technical requirements are diminished. At the same time as this deregulation is taking place, we are regulating women’s bodies and legislating family values. It seems like we have our priorities askew, we should allow families to be families and thrive under their owns values and we should regulate business in a minimally invasive way, for the safety and welfare of us all.

Looking ahead:The coming week will hopefully be about moving Alyssa’s law into its third committee stop in the House and Senate. There is a huge dispute over the fiscal impact this bill may have on us as a state. There is no price you can put on the loss of human life, just ask those who have paid so dearly. For me the solution is clear, an app based emergency alarm system, one that has been proven to be working throughout the state or in other states (picked by DOE), that won’t break the bank, but will Make Our Schools Safe, protecting our children, teachers and pocket books all at the same time.

Michael Ryan, mayor, Sunrise

Last week: Antarctica hit 70 degrees, shattering records and exceeding the highest temperature days earlier. Pretty simple to understand the concern: ice melts and the sea level rises dramatically. It was reported that scientists (and the fossil fuel industry) grossly underestimated the amount of methane produced and released by fossil fuel operations. This release of methane is a major contributor to global warming. Science and evidence keeps piling up and yet our national policy is to deny. Our children, and their children’s children, will wonder why we failed to act with all due haste and deliberation, but the answers are pretty simple.

Looking ahead:On Tuesday, the County Commission will host a public Workshop regarding the BB&T Site Redevelopment Plans. In June 2016, the County’s consultant issued a detailed study concluding the site was highly desirable for smart development, exclaiming “Let’s start today”. But, according to the County, the Panthers are considering a move to downtown Fort Lauderdale; the operating agreement expires in 2028, with options for early terminations beginning in 2023. Indecision creates uncertainty in development alternatives and jeopardizes a cohesive vision for the site. I implore the County and the Panthers to negotiate and decide sooner than later.

Mitch Ceasar, former chairman, Broward County Democratic Party

Last week: Hold that absentee ballot! The Florida Democratic Primary is March17. As the primary campaigns continue, candidates have dropped out and will continue to do so before the vote. While we enjoy filling out the ballot immediately, resist the urge. My suggestion is to fill out the form, making sure to follow ALL instructions including the privacy sleeve and signature, and mail it by March 1. That leaves plenty of time for delivery. You'll have the "say" you deserve without voting for a candidate who may have dropped out. That will make it a truly "Super Tuesday!"

Dr. Michael Dennis, chair, FAU Schmidt College of Medicine

Last week: Coverups may seem strategically successful but they don't last forever. Supposedly humanitarian organizations like the Roman Catholic Church and now the Boy Scouts of America are finding that to be true. The latter is now filing for bankruptcy protection as an increasing number of sexually abused men who were assaulted as young boys come forward with their accounts. Many had remained silent which only increases their suffering. Those who deliberately hid these horrendous acts should be required to provide full and fair compensation to the victims. Let us hope that no further offenses are performed anywhere on anyone. It's disgustingly criminal.

Looking ahead:Rising drug prices are placing an intolerable burden on many Americans. The absence of a competitive market and lack of congressional action based on Big Pharma's "influence" are major factors. The medication, acthar, which is used to treat multiple sclerosis and other diseases is a classic example. Originally sold for $40 per vial, the cost is now $40,000 per vial !!! Last year Medicare spent $725 million on the drug for fewer than 2000 patients. The American taxpayer footed the bill. Patients deserve the best medication possible, but the drug industry must be held accountable for these outrageous discrepancies and make amends.

Bernie Fernandez Jr., M.D., CEO, Baptist Health Medical Group

Last week: While factors affecting health include lifestyle, genetics and the environment, some data indicate education also plays a role. Data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest that death rates for people with some college education are at least 50 percent lower than for individuals who never attended college classes. We can’t conclude that college attendees live longer, but this data and some studies reveal a correlation between higher education and better health. Often, though, higher education leads to higher incomes and easier access to care. Ultimately, the stronger driver for better health may be socioeconomic status.

Peter Moore, president, Chen Moore and Associates

Last week: While most people were aware Presidents’ Day was last week, they likely didn’t realize that this fell within National Engineer’s Week. While I’ve been writing about this in the SF100 every year since I was invited to be in this prestigious group, but I think this is the first year that the average reader may care. Between broken sewers, sea level rise and boil water orders, the general public finally understands the importance of engineering and infrastructure in their everyday lives. I’m proud to be an engineer and with proper funding and public patience, we’ll get the infrastructure fixed.

Looking ahead:In the next few weeks, our Legislature will again do something relatively miraculous. In only 60 days, a group of an amazing 160 people will wrap up the business of a State that has a GDP of about $1 Trillion, comparable to France or Germany. Do they always get along? No. Do they get business done? Yes. I’m proud of everyone in the Legislature for giving of themselves, putting their private lives on public display and, more than anything, caring enough to serve. The next few weeks won’t be easy, thank you.

Kathleen Cannon, president, United Way of Broward County

Looking ahead:Kudos to Gov. Ron DeSantis for naming Thursday, February 27, Suicide Awareness Day in Florida. Suicide deaths are a national crisis and we in Florida are unfortunately all too familiar with its prevalence. Bringing attention to the problem is an important first step, to be followed by meaningful conversations and strategic initiatives that will work to prevent future deaths by suicide. Please join our governor and so many others on the forefront of the drive to achieve zero suicides by raising awareness on this day. Please wear green on Suicide Awareness Day. #ZeroSuicideBroward

Marty Kiar, property appraiser, Broward County

Looking ahead:The City of Coral Springs will officially honor Walter ‘Skip” Campbell on March 17 when they dedicate NW 94 Avenue between Sample Road and 31st Court in his name. Skip Campbell was an icon in our community for years having served in the Florida Senate and as Coral Springs Mayor. A distinguished leader in the legal community, Skip served as president of the Broward County Bar Association, Federal Bar Association of Broward County and the Broward County Trial Lawyers’ Association. This dedication will serve as a lasting tribute to his years of public service to the residents Broward County.

Gary Resnick, commissioner, Wilton Manors

Last week: Recycling. We were elated when Wilton Manors, for many years, was among the top recyclers in the County; we actually made money from residents’ recycling which we returned to residents through utility bill credits, and more importantly, helped the environment. However, with the loss of the secondary recycling market, and our waste hauler notifying us that it will no longer accept paper, recycling is limited to cans, plastic bottles and glass. And recycling now costs the city $3 million/year. We are committed with fellow cities, County, and Broward League of Cities to establishing a sustainable recycling program.

Tina Polsky, member, Florida House

Last week: This week, the House voted to pass SB 404, which would require parental consent for a minor to receive an abortion (as opposed to notification which is already in law). Despite our many reasonable proposed amendments, none were adopted. This is a bad bill that the Democratic caucus tried to make better. Because of the rushed committee process that this bill went through, it did not receive the appropriate scrutiny and fixes that it required. It is not much to ask to give more information or more court access to a minor who is in the middle of one of the most difficult moments in her young life.

Looking ahead:Unfortunately, this legislative session has seen a slew of bills introduced that would make it harder for citizens to put initiatives on the ballot. One proposed version would require an initiative to have at least 8% of eligible voters’ signatures in each of Florida’s 27 congressional districts, a new and herculean task. This year represents the second year in a row that the legislature is attempting to take power away from regular citizens and their ability to practice direct democracy through the citizen initiative process guaranteed in the Florida constitution. The citizens in Florida deserve better.

Tim Ryan, member, Broward County Commission

Last week: The utility industry doesn’t want it and the people don’t want it, yet the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has decided to roll back a 2011 rule that limits emissions of mercury and other toxins discharged by power plants. The regulations have been very successful at cutting emissions linked to developmental problems in children and toxic effects on the nervous, digestive and immune systems in adults. While this rollback fits within a larger deregulatory strategy championed by the Trump administration, it’s shocking when the EPA adopts a policy that is more pro-pollution than the industrial polluters request.

Looking ahead:Current and future visitors to the Topeekeegee Yugnee (T. Y.) Park in Hollywood will be happy to know this beautiful regional park is about to get even better. An agreement between Broward County and the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) approves a $500,000 grant for the construction of a reclaimed water irrigation system at the park. The project will improve the park’s overall aesthetics and have an important environmental impact by reducing Broward County’s water consumption and wastewater disposal.

Last week: As a founding member of the Marine Research Hub of South Florida, MIASF applauds the recent launch of FPL’s new energy, water, and energy-adjacent incubator program called 35 Mules. The Marine Research Hub, in partnership with Ocean Exchange, creates a pipeline of academic research, economic development, and start-up funding dedicated to showcasing the incredible talent brand of our universities while promoting South Florida’s extraordinary role in the global Blue Economy. With a total commitment of $2.5 million in start-up funding and additional resources, FPL’s program adds a welcome component to the growing reputation of South Florida’s Hub of marine-based innovators.

Lori Berman, member, Florida Senate

Last week: This week, Acting State Surgeon General Scott Rivkees gave a presentation on the outbreak of coronavirus globally and in the United States. Though there are no confirmed cases in Florida presently, he disclosed that there are investigative cases. He cited Florida statute for why the Department of Health cannot reveal their location. But I’ve read the statutes, and they could be interpreting them differently. When the Zika virus was at its height, there was continuous reporting of testing. The location of these cases should be public knowledge.

Looking ahead:As we come to the close of February, or American Heart Month, it’s important to continue to raise awareness of heart health. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in our country and is often referred to as the “silent killer” in women. This is because symptoms are frequently presented differently, including back pain, indigestion or anxiety attacks, leading women to often brush off the symptoms. If you or a loved one has these symptoms, such as chest pain, shortness of breath or palpitations, please talk to your doctor, and remember: if you live healthy, you’ll stay young at heart!

Lamar Fisher, member, Broward County Commission

Last week: Broward County’s Office of Economic and Small Business Development (OESBD) recently released the FY 2019 Program Tracking and Score Card, providing us with tons of information on the great work our OESBD team is doing around our community. From October 2018 to September 2019, over $177 Million was committed to certified small businesses on county projects out of $355.6 Million! In 2019, 109 projects under $250,000 were reserved for small businesses totaling $10.8 Million. If you own a small business and want to get in on the action please visit Broward.org/EconDev for more information.

Looking ahead:Broward County is making significant strides rolling out mobility improvements using transportation surtax funds. Some of these improvements include; 9 construction projects that are underway to install fiber in unserved areas, implement school zone safety improvements and install resilient mast arms at vulnerable intersections. Additionally, Broward County Transit has invested $4 million in service level increases, expanded Wi-Fi availability is on schedule to be on all routes by the end of 2020 and 65 fixed routes buses, 128 paratransit buses and 5 electric buses have been ordered with surtax funds. We are moving forward as promised!

Robert Weinroth, member, Palm Beach County Commission

Last week: The current Florida Constitution (adopted in 1968) includes a hodgepodge of 140 amendments, many initiated by citizen petition. In a move to set a higher bar for the approval of amendments, legislature in 2006 initiated an amendment to raise the threshold for approval from a simple majority to 60 percent. A proposed amendment to require constitutional amendments be approved by voters in two successive general elections has now been certified for the ballot in November as Amendment 4. However, it seems hypocritical not to require the proposed amendment to undergo the double election requirement it would necessitate if approved.

Looking ahead:Every ten years all residents, without regard to status, are counted. The results determine the distribution of federal funds and determine the proper allocation of the 435 congressional seats. It is likely that Florida will gain two congressional seats in 2022. However, to receive our full allocation of federal funding and the proper number of congressional seats, it is imperative that every person in Florida be counted. On March 12th, letters explaining how to complete the census, online, will be mailed out. Take the time to complete your census questionnaire to avoid future reminders. Our state is counting on it!

Ina Lee, owner, Travelhost Elite of Greater Fort Lauderdale

Last week: Adding to the woes of the City of Fort Lauderdale as it deals with multiple breaks in its aging infrastructure, the State of Florida fined the City $1.8 million because of toxic spillage. Equally damaging was the national news reporting on the sewage leaks as we head into the peak of the winter tourism season. Not to discount the urgency of the infrastructure situation, it is important to let people know that our beaches are still beautiful and we live in paradise.

Looking ahead:As we head into the final two weeks of session in Tallahassee, the reauthorization and funding of Visit Florida, the State's public-private marketing arm for tourism, will be an 11th hour battle once again. Although Governor DeSantis and the Senate are fully behind Visit Florida, the Speaker of the House is not budging in his opposition.Visitors added $86 billion to our state’s Gross Domestic Product and support one out of every six jobs. It is just bad business to not fully support the hand that feeds you.

Tim Lonergan, commissioner, Oakland Park

Last week: The Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Broward County celebrated with their 14th Annual Valentine’s Day Fashion Show and Luncheon. The event raised money to fund programs that assist Broward County’s seniors, persons with severe and persistent mental illness, ages 18 and over, their families, and caregivers in locating support service programs. The Helpline number is 954.745.9779 and is staffed with trained Information and Referral Specialists fluent in English, Spanish, and Creole. Learn more about the services offered by ADRC and ways that you can help support their essential programs by visiting www.adrcbroward.org.

Howard Simon, retired executive director, ACLU of Florida

Last week: Researchers led by neurologists at the University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine, published a groundbreaking study documenting that a toxin that is a component of cyanobacteria (harmful algal blooms) triggers paralytic ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease), which often results in death within a two or three years of diagnosis. Another part of the research documented that a naturally occurring amino acid (L-serine) being studied in an FDA-approved Phase II study, reduces ALS-type neuropathology. We need to apply this science to policy by mitigating the pollution that fuels algae blooms that create the toxin that is poisoning the people of Florida.

George Moraitis, chairman, Broward Republican Executive Committee

Last week: Requiring all businesses to check their employees’ immigration status through the federal E-verify system is a top priority for Gov. Ron DeSantis and legislation is making its way through Tallahassee. E-Verify is an Internet-based system that compares information from your Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration records to confirm authorization to work in the United States. E-verify is supported by Republicans across the board. As the Governor said, “I would not want to be a Republican office holder running in a Republican primary who voted against doing something on this.”

Nan Rich, member, Broward County Commission

Last week: The Florida Senate Education Committee passed SB1634, a dangerous bill which demands our attention. The so-called “Parental Bill of Rights” would give parents authority over public school curriculum and healthcare issues by allowing them to remove their children from classes during any instruction they deem to be “harmful.” This opens the door for Holocaust deniers, evolution deniers, climate change deniers, and others to pick and choose what their children learn in school. It is so important that we trust educational institutions to design age-appropriate curriculum for all of our children. SB1634/HB1059 are steps in the wrong direction for Florida’s children.

Daniel Stermer, president, Broward League of Cities; mayor, City of Weston

Last week: The Broward League recently heard from Florida League of Cities President, and council member for the Town of Bay Harbor Islands, Isaac Salver. He spoke about his passion for education and the need for civic engagement with Florida’s youngest residents. Through his initiative, Readers2Leaders, the Florida League published an interactive guide designed to be shared by elected officials with students from elementary through high school that seeks to foster early engagement. On behalf of the Broward League, thank you to President Salver for sharing this important program, highlighting the role local government has in shaping our communities and future leaders.

Maria Sachs, former member, Florida Senate

Last week: Local problems demand local solutions. It's just common sense. Yet a power grab from our State Legislature is fast eroding local control. A glaring example is vacation rentals. The State wants to usurp home rule for a state-wide blanket regulation that would impact all cities with one uniform regulation. The State would also control all advertising of short-term rentals, which are condo units or single-family homes rented more than three times a year for less than 30 days or one month at a time, whichever period is shorter. This is the same tactic the Legislature used to take away local control of firearms from our counties and municipalities. When money and power are involved, it seems like common sense is nowhere to be found.

Looking ahead:There was a group of us, including the Mayor of Weston, County Commissioner Nan Rich and Senator Perry Thurston who were present for the expansion of the new tech company, Ultimate Software. We were all optimistic that this emerging technology would favorably impact the future growth of Broward County. That was less than five years ago. Now a merger with Kronos of Boston to form a $22 billion company has made our optimism a reality. When government comes together with business to promote emerging technologies, success happens. This merger brings with it, not just a larger company but also high-tech jobs for our graduating students. A win for all!.

Tom Shea, chairman & founder, Right Management

Last week: Micromobility is on the rise in South Florida with the growing accessibility of e-scooters. Current laws require e-scooters to use the sidewalks, but we more frequently see them in streets and bike lanes. Riders are also required to be 18 years or older, but children are often seen riding them. Newly proposed ordinances would cost $100,000 to open an e-scooter business in South Florida, plus an additional $500 for rider safety violations. Fortunately, no deaths have been reported but as e-scooter popularity continues to rise, is the additional revenue for our cities worth the risk?

Looking ahead:Users aren’t the only ones seeing green since the legalization of cannabis throughout the U.S. South Florida’s commercial real estate is booming with investors buying warehouses and renting retail space for marijuana businesses to use. More than 70% of Floridians voted to legalize medical marijuana in 2016. A recent report found that there are more than 15,000 cannabis-related jobs throughout Florida, with 5,000 of those being created in 2019 alone. Florida also boasts the largest population of medical marijuana patients in the country. Its likely recreational marijuana will be on our ballots in the near future. Be ready to vote!

Larry Rein, CEO and President, ChildNet

Last week: The Tampa Bay Times recently lauded SB 1326 as potentially revolutionizing Florida’s funding of foster care, replacing fixed allocations regardless of the number of children served with a model responsive to both their number and their needs. This could provide substantial relief to severely underfunded Tampa and protect South Florida from a repeat of recent financial crises. It will, however, only if the legislature increases statewide funding to fill the $100 million shortfall that the new model identifies. Neither the Senate nor House budgets yet acknowledge this. They must, or Florida’s abused children will miss out on an amazing opportunity.

Last week: This is a big weekend for Dwayne Wade full of a series of events celebrating Wade’s career and to honor his impact on the NBA, the Miami Heat and the South Florida community at the American Airlines arena. Although Wade misses his 16 years on the Miami Heat team, Wade’s legacy further expands with his family beyond basketball by embracing his transgender daughter and the LGBTQ community. Wade has been an inspiration, role model and icon for his career, family and community. I would specifically like to recognize Dwayne Wade for being a positive advocate and understanding equal rights for all.

Looking ahead:The 2019-2020 influenza flu season in the US there have been approximately 26,000,000 to 36,000,000 flu illnesses, 12,000,000 to 17,000,000 flu medical visits, 250,000 to 440,000 flu hospitalizations and 14,000 to 36,000 flu deaths. According to the World Health Organization, the flu kills on average 650,000 people annually. Health officials are advising vaccination, washing your hands, avoiding contact with people who are sick and staying home when you’re sick. As mentioned, the flu can be a very aggressive virus and although hand sanitizer may be more convenient, it’s not as effective as the traditional soap and water.

Matt Willhite, member, Florida House of Representatives

Last week: This week I presented two bills in their final committee stop before going to the Floor for a full House vote. First, HB 59: Automated Pharmacy Systems expands the jurisdiction of automated pharmacy machines by allowing community pharmacies to own and operate a machine. This bill also provides a list of possible locations as long as a Florida licensed pharmacy owns and operates the machine. Secondly, HB 835 - Alzheimer's Disease creates the position of Dementia Director within the Department of Elders Affairs. This position will collaborate with other state entities to support those living with Alzheimer's Disease and other forms of dementia.

Looking ahead:We should be keeping an eye on the November ballot. Not just because it is a Presidential Election year, but because there will also be a few constitutional amendments on the ballot. HJR 157 - Limitation on Terms of Office for Members of a District School Board will put on the ballot a new constitutional amendment. This amendment will allow voters to decide whether or not they would like to implement term limits on their school board members. If approved by voters, a constitutional amendment will be created to prohibit school board members from serving more than eight consecutive years.

Michael Udine, member, Broward County Commission

Looking ahead:Starting March 2nd, Closest Unit Response will activate in North Lauderdale, Tamarac and Oakland Park. On March 30th Fort Lauderdale will join followed by other Broward municipalities. Approved by voters, this is a key element in Broward’s $93 million-dollar upgrade to the regional 911 system. Once activated the closest unit response system will enable the nearest fire rescue asset to respond to a life-threatening emergency. In one instance during testing, this system has already saved the life of an individual in cardiac arrest. As we all know, when an emergency happens seconds matter, and this system saves them.

Beam Furr, member, Broward County Commission

Looking ahead:A federal appeals court ruled that a law attempting to limit the voting rights of people with felony convictions was unconstitutional. This law was passed by the Florida legislature to force returning citizens to pay additional court fees and costs to have their voting rights restored – which violated the overwhelming will of Floridians who voted to approve Amendment Four. This ruling is good news, but what does it mean moving forward? It will allow 1.4 million more Floridians to vote in this year’s elections! That starts with the August 18th primary – we need to start registering returning citizens right now.

Lois Frankel, member, U.S. House of Representatives

Looking ahead:This week, I held a roundtable discussion with local elected officials and housing advocates to discuss the lack of affordable housing and homelessness in South Florida. Sadly, around 28,000 Floridians experienced homelessness last year, caused by poverty, addiction, mental health issues, lack of services, and more. Additionally, over 1,200,000 Palm Beach and Broward county residents are paying more for rent than their incomes can sustain. Access to housing is a problem affecting everyone, from the lowest end of income status to people who make a middle-class living. All people should have a decent place to live.